Hem protector for open heel shoe

ABSTRACT

A hem protector for preventing hems of skirts and cuffs of pants from slipping between the heel of a foot and an insole of an open heel shoe, is formed of a flexible elongate body having a first end and a second end. An opening is provided through the first end of the elongate body through which a heel of the shoe may extend to fix the first end of the elongate body to the shoe. The second end of the elongate body is configured for capturing a portion of an ankle strap of the open heel shoe. In this regard, a first portion of the second end of the elongate body is folded over the ankle strap and secured in place to either a second portion of the second end of the elongate body or to the heel of the shoe.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to garment accessories, namely, a hem and/or cuff protector that prevents hems of skirts and cuffs of pants from slipping between the heel of the foot and the insole of an open heel shoe.

One style of women's shoes is called a “slingback”; typically a high-heel shoe with no back heel support or open-heeled, but instead, a strap that wraps across the back of the heel in a horizontal position just below the ankle. The slingback style of shoe accounts for approximately fifty percent of the women's shoe market in North America.

In open heel shoes one can experience the problem of the hem or cuff slipping between the heel of the foot and the insole of the shoe. In closed heeled shoes this problem is avoided by the closed heel material. When wearing open heel shoes, such slipping action subjects the hem or cuff to excessive wear or fraying through repeated slipping between the heel of the foot and the insole of the shoe. This also causes discomfort to the wearer while walking or standing on a thick or hard hem or cuff. Such slippage of the hem or cuff may also cause trip or fall accidents and can also take away from the desired aesthetic effect of the open heel shoe with the particular skirt or pants.

Professional women who wear slacks/pants or other clothing with a cuff/hem near the heel, are forced to wear non-slingback shoes in such instances, minimizing their fashion options every day they go to work (i.e., fifty percent of the shoes in their closet can't be worn). If slingback shoes are worn, pants will typically get caught under the heel when walking, causing discomfort, potential damage to fabric and a lack of aesthetic appeal. Women sometimes refer to this as a “heel wedgie”, where the fabric gets caught under the heel while walking.

A number of prior art devices address similar problems by providing a protector having a central body of flexible material that conforms to and covers the rear portion of the shoe upper. The central body is held in place by one or more lower loops that fit around the heel of the shoe and an open upper strap that can be wrapped around the ankle and fastened to the opposite side of the central body. Examples include Swiss Patent No. 675,193 and French Patent No. 2,642,278, both of which are primarily concerned with protecting the heel of high heeled shoes from wear that occurs when driving an automobile or engaging in similar activity.

Another prior art example includes U.S. Patent Publication No. 2008/0060230 for a cuff protector for a “mule” shoe that comprises an upper loop to be releasably worn about the user's ankle and a lower loop for releasable attachment to the heel of the user's footwear. While this prior art device is intended to prevent a hem or cuff from slipping between the heel of the foot and the insole of the shoe, such suffers from the same drawbacks as other prior devices, in that it is looped around the ankle of a user. Attaching such a device to the ankle of a user and the heel of a shoe presents additional hazards for trip or fall accidents where the device may get hooked on or otherwise separate from the heel of the shoe and cause pulling or tugging on the ankle of a user.

Accordingly, there is a need for a hem protector for an open heeled shoe that prevents the hem or cuff from slipping between the heel of the foot and the rear of the shoe while not being secured to the ankle of the user. The present invention fulfills these needs and provides other related advantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a hem protector for preventing hems of skirts and cuffs of pants from slipping between the heel of a foot and an insole of an open heel shoe. The hem protector of the present invention comprises (1) a flexible elongate body having a first end and a second end, (2) an opening through the first end of the elongate body through which a heel of the shoe may extend to fix the first end of the elongate body to the shoe, and (3) means associated with the second end of the elongate body, for capturing a portion of an ankle strap of the open heel shoe.

The elongate body comprises a solid color or a decorative pattern configured to complement a color or decorative pattern of the shoe. The elongate body may comprise a non-slip elastic material which is clear, transparent or translucent, preferably a neoprene, rubber or silicone material.

The capturing means comprises a first portion of the second end of the elongate body folded over the ankle strap and secured in place to either a second portion of the second end of the elongate body or to the heel of the shoe.

In several preferred embodiments, the second end of the elongate body comprises a loop through which the first end of the elongate body may be inserted. The opening through the first end of the elongate body and/or the loop may include a pinch having a width slightly narrower than the width of the elongate body. Moreover, the opening through the first end of the elongate body and/or the loop may have a figure eight shape. The capturing means comprises a first portion of the second end of the elongate body folded over the ankle strap and secured in place to the heel of the shoe.

In other embodiments the capturing means includes means for securing the first portion of the second end of the elongate body. Here, the securing means may comprise mating fasteners in the form of hook and loop tape, snaps, a button and a buttonhole, or magnets.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention. In such drawings:

FIG. 1 is a front view of a hem protector of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a rear view of the hem protector of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front and side perspective view the hem protector of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 3, but reversing the positions of the button and buttonhole fasteners;

FIG. 5 is a rear environmental view of the hem protector of FIGS. 1-3, installed on an open heel or “slingback” shoe;

FIG. 6 is a rear environmental view similar to FIG. 5 showing that the hem protector may include surface decorations or patterns;

FIG. 7 is a side environmental view of the hem protector of FIGS. 1-3 installed on an open heel shoe;

FIG. 8 is a partial sectional view taken along line 8-8 from FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a front view similar to FIG. 1 of an alternate embodiment of the hem protector of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a front and side perspective view of the hem protector of FIG. 9, illustrating hook and loop fasteners;

FIG. 11 is a front and side perspective view of another embodiment of a hem protector of the present invention, illustrating magnetic fasteners;

FIG. 12 is a side environmental view similar to FIG. 7, illustrating installation of the hem protector of FIG. 10 or 11 on an open heel or “slingback” shoe;

FIG. 13 is an enlarged partial sectional view of the area designated by the circle 13 in FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a front and side perspective view of another embodiment of a hem protector of the present invention, having snap fasteners;

FIG. 15 is a side environmental view similar to FIGS. 7 and 12, illustrating the hem protector of FIG. 14 installed on a shoe;

FIG. 16 is a front view similar to FIGS. 1 and 9, illustrating yet another alternate embodiment of the hem protector of the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a side environmental view of the hem protector of FIG. 16 installed on an open heel shoe;

FIG. 18 is a rear environmental view of the hem protector of FIGS. 16 and 17 installed on an open heel or “slingback” shoe;

FIG. 19 is a rear environmental view of the hem protector of FIGS. 16-18, wherein the hem protector has been flipped for installation on an open heel or “slingback” shoe in exactly the opposite configuration as shown in FIGS. 16-18;

FIG. 20 is a side environmental view of the hem protector of FIG. 19 installed on an open heel shoe;

FIG. 21 is a rear environmental view of the hem protector of FIG. 19, illustrating the twisting of a loop secured about the heel of the shoe to permit adjustment of the overall length of the hem protector when applied to the open heel shoe;

FIG. 22 is a rear environmental view of the hem protector of FIGS. 19 and 21, illustrating another way of attaching an end of the hem protector to the heel of the shoe;

FIG. 23 is a side environmental view of the hem protector of FIGS. 16-22, illustrating the manner in which both ends of the hem protector may be secured to the heel of the shoe to capture the ankle strap;

FIG. 24 is a rear environmental view of the hem protector of FIG. 23, illustrating how one end of the hem protector may be twisted to adjust the effective length of the hem protector;

FIG. 25 is a front view of the hem protector similar to FIG. 16, illustrating yet another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 26 is a front view of anther embodiment of the hem protector of the present invention, similar to FIGS. 25 and 16;

FIG. 27 is a front view similar to FIG. 26, illustrating yet another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 28 is a rear environmental view of the hem protector of FIGS. 26 and 27, illustrating a manner in which an end of the hem protector may be attached to the heel of the shoe; and

FIG. 29 is another rear environmental view of the hem protector of FIGS. 26 and 27, illustrating how one end of the hem protector may be twisted to adjust the effective length thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As shown in the accompanying drawings for purposes of illustration, the present invention comprises a hem protector for an open heel shoe, referred to generally by reference number 20. FIGS. 1, 2 and 9 generally illustrate the hem protector 20 in front and rear views. The hem protector 20 has an elongated body 22 having a first end 24 and a second end 26. The first end 24 includes an opening 28 configured as a slot or a water drop to secure the first end 24 to a heel 30 of a shoe 32. The first end 24 preferably has a pinch 34 having a width slightly narrower than the width of the elongated body 22. As will be described in greater detail below, the narrower width of the first end 24 allows for the elongated body 22 to conform to the heel 30 of the shoe 32 more closely. Of course, although a preferred embodiment is shown, the elongated body 22 may be of different sizes. In other words, the general construction of the hem protector 20 may vary in width and length, but the overall functionality of the hem protector, regardless of specific size, remains unchanged.

As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the second end 26 includes means for capturing an ankle strap 36 with the second end 26 of the hem protector 20. In this particular embodiment, the capturing means comprises mating fasteners such as the illustrated button 38 and buttonholes 40. These mating fasteners are positioned along the length of the elongated body 22 to securely fix the second end 26 to the ankle strap 36 of the slingback shoe 32.

The hem protector 20 is preferably made from a clear, transparent or translucent, soft, non-slip elastic material, preferably neoprene or silicone. The hem protector 20 is wide enough to prevent slippage of a hem/cuff as described, and has enough give to allow natural foot movement when walking, climbing stairs, dancing or moving in general. As illustrated in FIG. 6, one side of the hem protector 20 may be provided with a decorative pattern 42. The hem protector 20 may also be provided in a solid color. The purpose of the solid color or decorative pattern 42 is so that the hem protector 20 may be matched to the color or decorative pattern of the shoe 32, if desired.

FIGS. 5-8 illustrate the hem protector 20 installed on an open heel shoe 32, preferably of the slingback type having an ankle strap 36. As illustrated, the first end 24 is secured to the heel 30 of the shoe 32 by inserting the heel 30 through the opening 28. The opening 28 is substantially co-extensive with the first end 24 so as to be able to adjust to various heel sizes. The water drop shape of the opening 28 permits the first end 24 to conform to the shape of the heel 30. As the opening 28 rises up the heel 30, the material of the first end 24 generally conforms to the shape of the heel. The pinch 34 of the first end 24 advantageously makes the material of the hem protector 20 less likely to pucker or buckle as the heel 30 widens. The hem protector 20 is configured to be primarily compatible with heel sizes ranging from 1-4 inches, but may work with larger heels.

The second end 26 is configured to engage the ankle strap 36. As shown in FIGS. 5-8, the flap portion 44 of the second end folds over the ankle strap 36 so as to align one of the buttonholes 40 with the button 38. When the button 38 is secured into a selected one of the buttonholes 40, the mid point or rearward most portion of the ankle strap 36 is secured between adjacent portions of the second end 26.

FIGS. 9-15 illustrate other embodiments of the hem protector 20 of the present invention, having different means for capturing or securing the ankle strap 36 within a looped portion of the second end 26.

FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate a hook 46 and loop 48 material, e.g. Velcro®, as the capturing or securing means. FIG. 11 illustrates the securing means as oppositely polarized magnets 50 and 52. FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate the operation of either the hook 46 and loop 48 material or the magnets 50 and 52. In both instances, the flap 44 is folded over the ankle strap 36 such that the mating fasteners engage each other. In the case of the hook 46 and loop 48 material, the mating portions are pushed together such that a secure attachment is created. In the case of the oppositely polarized magnets 50 and 52, the mating fasteners are contacted such that their magnetic attraction holds them together. In both instances, the second end 26 is securely attached to the ankle strap 36.

In FIGS. 14 and 15, the securing means comprises mating snaps 54 and 56. FIG. 15 illustrates how once the flap 31 is folded over the ankle strap 36, the mating snaps 54 and 56 are joined to create the secure attachment.

FIGS. 16-18 illustrate one particularly preferred embodiment of the hem protector 20 of the present invention. In this case, the second end 26 of the elongate body 22 comprises a loop 58 through which the first end 24 of the elongate body 22 may be inserted to capture the ankle strap 36 (see FIGS. 17 and 18). The loop 58 has a cross-over 60 which forms a figure eight shape to facilitate releasably securing the second end 26 of the elongate body 22 to the ankle strap 36, as shown. The first end 24 is anchored to the heel 30 of the shoe 32 in exactly the same manner as the previous embodiments described herein.

FIGS. 19-22 illustrate how the hem protector 20 of the present invention may be attached to the shoe 32 with the first end 24 and the second end 26 flipped vertically in comparison with the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 16-18. In this regard, FIGS. 19 and 20 illustrate how the second end 26 of the elongate body 22 may be inserted through the first end 24 to capture the ankle strap 36. The second end 26 is then anchored to the heel 30 of the shoe 32 in exactly the manner as the previous embodiments described herein. FIG. 21 shows how the second end 26, and specifically the loop 58, may be twisted to help adjust the overall length of the hem protector 20 to fit various size shoes 32.

FIG. 22 is similar to FIG. 19, but shows an alternative way of attaching the second end 26 of the hem protector 20 to the heel 30 of the shoe 32. In this case, the first end 24 of the hem protector 20 is inserted through the loop 58 so that the entirety of the second end 26 surrounds the heel 30.

FIGS. 23 and 24 illustrate other ways in which the hem protector 20 of FIG. 16 may be attached to the shoe in a manner to capture the ankle strap 36. FIG. 23 illustrates how both the first and second ends 24 and 26 of the hem protector 20 are secured to the heel 30 such that the elongate body 22 captures the ankle strap 36. FIG. 24, which may be a rear environmental view of FIG. 23, illustrates how the second end 26, and specifically the loop 58, may be twisted to adjust the overall length of the hem protector 20, similar to that shown in FIG. 21.

FIG. 25 is a front elevational view of an alternate form of the hem protector 20. It will be noted that the basic configuration is similar to a hem protector shown in FIG. 16. The primary differences are found in cutouts 62 and 64 in the elongate body 22. These cutouts 62, 64 may be provided in order to save on production costs, for aesthetic reasons, or to allow even other methods of attaching the hem protector 20 to the shoe 32.

FIG. 26 is a front view of anther embodiment of the hem protector 20 of the present invention, similar to FIGS. 25 and 16. FIG. 27 is a front view similar to FIG. 26, illustrating yet another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 28 is a rear environmental view of the hem protector 20 of FIGS. 26 and 27, illustrating a manner in which an end of the hem protector 20 may be attached to the heel 30 of the shoe 32. FIG. 29 is another rear environmental view of the hem protector 20 of FIGS. 26 and 27, illustrating how one end of the hem protector 20 may be twisted to adjust the effective length thereof.

Although several embodiments have been described in detail for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be limited, except as by the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A hem protector for preventing hems of skirts and cuffs of pants from slipping between the heel of a foot and an insole of an open heel shoe, the hem protector comprising: a flexible elongate body having a first end and a second end; an opening through the first end of the elongate body through which a heel of the shoe may extend to fix the first end of the elongate body to the shoe; and means associated with the second end of the elongate body, for capturing a portion of an ankle strap of the open heel shoe.
 2. The hem protector of claim 1, wherein the elongate body comprises a solid color or a decorative pattern configured to match a color or decorative pattern of the shoe.
 3. The hem protector of claim 1, wherein the elongate body comprises a non-slip elastic material.
 4. The hem protector of claim 3, wherein the non-slip elastic material comprises neoprene or silicone or rubber.
 5. The hem protector of claim 1, wherein the opening through the first end of the elongate body includes a pinch having a width slightly narrower than the width of the elongate body.
 6. The hem protector of claim 1, wherein the capturing means releasably secures the second end of the elongate body to the ankle strap.
 7. The hem protector of claim 6, wherein the second end of the elongate body comprises a loop through which the first end of the elongate body may be inserted to capture the ankle strap.
 8. The hem protector of claim 7, wherein the loop or first end of the elongate body has a figure eight shape.
 9. The hem protector of claim 1, wherein the capturing means comprises a first portion of the second end of the elongate body folded over the ankle strap and secured in place to a second portion of the second end of the elongate body.
 10. The hem protector of claim 1, wherein the capturing means includes means for securing the first portion of the second end of the elongate body to the second portion of the second end of the elongate body.
 11. The hem protector of claim 10, wherein the securing means comprises mating fasteners.
 12. The hem protector of claim 11, wherein the mating fasteners comprise hook and loop tape, snaps, a button and a buttonhole, or magnets.
 13. The hem protector of claim 1, wherein the capturing means comprises a first portion of the second end of the elongate body folded over the ankle strap and secured in place to the heel of the shoe.
 14. A hem protector for preventing hems of skirts and cuffs of pants from slipping between the heel of a foot and an insole of an open heel shoe, the hem protector comprising: a flexible elongate body having a first end and a second end; an opening through the first end of the elongate body through which a heel of the shoe may extend to fix the first end of the elongate body to the shoe; and means associated with the second end of the elongate body, for capturing a portion of an ankle strap of the open heel shoe, the capturing means releasably securing the second end of the elongate body to the ankle strap and comprising a first portion of the second end of the elongate body folded over the ankle strap and secured in place to either a second portion of the second end of the elongate body or to the heel of the shoe.
 15. The hem protector of claim 14, wherein the elongate body comprises a solid color or a decorative pattern configured to complement a color or decorative pattern of the shoe.
 16. The hem protector of claim 15, wherein the elongate body comprises a non-slip neoprene or silicone or rubber material.
 17. The hem protector of claim 14, wherein the second end of the elongate body comprises a loop through which the first end of the elongate body may be inserted.
 18. The hem protector of claim 17, wherein the opening through the first end of the elongate body and/or the loop includes a pinch having a width slightly narrower than the width of the elongate body.
 19. The hem protector of claim 17, wherein the opening through the first end of the elongate body and/or the loop has a figure eight shape.
 20. The hem protector of claim 14, wherein the capturing means includes means for securing the first portion of the second end of the elongate body to the second portion of the second end of the elongate body.
 21. The hem protector of claim 20, wherein the securing means comprises mating fasteners in the form of hook and loop tape, snaps, a button and a buttonhole, or magnets.
 22. The hem protector of claim 14, wherein the capturing means comprises a first portion of the second end of the elongate body folded over the ankle strap and secured in place to the heel of the shoe. 